Tempest - hear buzzing, Normal??

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SimpleGuy

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Tempest - hear buzzing, Normal??
« on: 1 Sep 2004, 08:09 am »
:roll:

I noticed that I can hear a buzz noise when I'm close to the Tempest, if I put my ear on the unit you can hear the buzzing.  Is this normal?  I don't get any buzz noise from the Stratos Amp.

Also when I turn on the Tempest, it sends a popping noise to the speakers that I hate.   When I turn it on, after a few seconds, it makes a whimpering noise (I think the relay turning on) and then a quick popping noise to the speaker and then stops.  After that the Tempest is fine, but the buzz noise and popping to the speakers..... I hate that!

Anyone else having this problem with your Tempest??

odysseyhk

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Re: Tempest - hear buzzing, Normal??
« Reply #1 on: 1 Sep 2004, 03:41 pm »
Quote from: SimpleGuy
:roll:

I noticed that I can hear a buzz noise when I'm close to the Tempest, if I put my ear on the unit you can hear the buzzing.  Is this normal?  I don't get any buzz noise from the Stratos Amp.

Also when I turn on the Tempest, it sends a popping noise to the speakers that I hate.   When I turn it on, after a few seconds, it makes a whimpering noise (I think the relay turning on) and then a quick popping noise to the speaker and then stops.  After that the Tempest is fine, but the buzz noise and p ...


The popping noise is normal and many preamp have it.  That's why people say there is sequence in turning on and off the cd/preamp/amp to avoid the popping noise.  

The buzz noise may be due to the sensitive MM and MC phono circuit pick-up some RF noise.  If you are not using phono amp, just plug a RCA plug and close the input circuit, to eliminate the RF noise pickup.  See the original pose "Tempest Tip":

http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=6210&highlight=tempest

djbnh

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Tempest - hear buzzing, Normal??
« Reply #2 on: 1 Sep 2004, 11:33 pm »
Buzz = transformer issue?

FYI - I get no "pop" when I turn on my Tempest.

SimpleGuy

  • Jr. Member
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Maybe I got a defective one?
« Reply #3 on: 4 Sep 2004, 12:49 am »
I finally found the RCA shorting plugs, sure was hard to find them and most places didn't have a clue of what they were.

The plugs didn't help my problem, still the same transformer hum/buzz.  I'm wondering if I got a defective one, if so.... I don't know how that would have passed quality control?

If others are saying theirs is dead quiet, sounds like something is wrong with mine?

The hum/buzz is coming from the transformer in the Tempest box, it doesn't come out to the speakers.  I can hear it easily when I'm next to it and slightly when I'm a few feet away from it.

Anyway I can fix it myself or do I need to send it back to Odyssey?
Thanks for any help :)

KarlDL

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Tempest - hear buzzing, Normal??
« Reply #4 on: 4 Sep 2004, 02:54 am »
Pop the top cover off and see if grabbing the toroidal power transformer body/top with your hand quells the buzzing (yes, this is safe, unless you've stripped insulation from the transformer windings & leads).  If so, check the hold-down bolt (thru transformer center) for tightness and correct (gently) if necessary.  Should the buzz remain, call Klaus for further advice; an excursion to Indy may be appropriate.

Back in the "olden" days, mechanical "buzz" of transformer cases was frequently found.  Today, with modern components, especially toroidal transformers, it shouldn't "hardly ever" happen, absent some other issue (e.g., loose bolts).

A curious oddity is that the current Stratos uses a "reduced noise" Plitron transformer, yet the Tempest employs a "standard" unit.  For us electronics geeks, that's backwards of what we would expect.

SimpleGuy

  • Jr. Member
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Tried it
« Reply #5 on: 5 Sep 2004, 06:17 am »
Ok, I opened it up and checked it out.  Wow, there isn't much inside
it is there.  As heavy as it is, I thought it would have alot inside.

I gently tightened it.  It all looks fine but that didn't help.  I was hoping it would!  :(

Thanks for the help though, it was a good idea.

I'll call Klaus and see what he says.

Thanks all!   :)

amartincool

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.
« Reply #6 on: 5 Sep 2004, 12:28 pm »
Did you check if you have evrything conected in phase??

Did you try to conect inverting the powerd cord right??

firestic

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Tempest - hear buzzing, Normal??
« Reply #7 on: 17 Sep 2004, 06:11 pm »
You may want to follow the thread I posted about a stratos hum. The thread is called "(yet another) stratos break-in"

I found a lamp and cell phone charger was causing a very nasty hum in my stratos. It may not be the tempest at all.